Winter storm turns Itasca into Winter Wonderland

The weekend’s relentless snow caused some anxious moments for organizers of Itasca’s annual Winter Wonderland event, held Sunday at the newly upgraded Usher Park.

“Oh, I kind of freaked out, we were worried we might have to cancel it,” said Maryfran Leno, executive director of the Itasca Park District. “But now it’s so exciting to have some snow on the ground. It really makes everything look a little bit more magical.”

The event, in it’s fourth year, was highlighted by a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who arrived with a police and fire department escort, and the annual tree lighting.

Visitors sipped hot chocolate and ate cookies while enjoying performances by Inner Prestige Dancers and Dickens carolers, or posed for photos with holiday characters like Frosty the Snowman. A holiday market featuring numerous vendors was a new addition this year.

The free event also had stations for collections of unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots and nonperishable goods for the Itasca Food Pantry.